Chapter 67

Ch.67 Apostle of the Goddess of War

“A War Knight? He almost became a War Knight?”

This was news to him. There were many secrets about the War Cult during Garfenn and Gustein’s younger days.

He had only vaguely heard that they had gone through many hardships. There must have been their own hidden history.

“I stayed for a brief time before leaving. Because of a misunderstanding.”

Garfenn spoke with the eyes of someone recalling the past.

“Sion.”

“Yes?”

“You go find Kegan, clear up the misunderstanding, and bring him back to Elim.”

Sion asked with a dull expression.

“If he’s your acquaintance, wouldn’t it be better for you to bring him yourself?”

“No, I can’t. That kid wouldn’t even want to meet me.”

“What?”

Garfenn added, “He’s a stubborn one.”

“He’d probably be more open to someone he’s never met before. If you introduce yourself as a new War Cult disciple, he’ll at least be curious.”

“But is it really that simple? If he left the Cult over it, the misunderstanding must’ve been serious.”

“That’s why I like sharp-witted disciples.”

Garfenn exchanged a knowing look with Gustein.

“Kegan believes he committed a grave sin against the War Cult and the Goddess. That’s why he left.”

“Then can’t you just explain it and clear it up with words?”

“That’s the thing.”

Garfenn paused, pressing his fingers against his forehead.

“He lost his memory.”

“You mean this Kegan person?”

“Yes. He made a deal with Lady Achille.”

Sion thought for a moment.

“This already smells like trouble.”

“Sit down. I’ll tell you the story. You need to know the details to carry out the mission.”

Tuk— Gustein naturally pulled out a bottle of alcohol from the cabinet and handed a cup to Garfenn.

Sion shook his head at the sight of these two degenerate priests.

‘What kind of story is this?’

It felt like it was going to be a long tale.

Sion briefly relaxed and sat down in front of them.

Garfenn tilted his cup slightly and began retracing the past, his eyes both joyful and gloomy.

“…Kegan. That bastard used to love this cheap alcohol too.”

***

The next day.

The sun rose on what would likely be a long-term mission.

The weather was gradually getting colder. Elim was busy preparing for winter. This winter seemed especially harsh.

The continent’s climate reflected this. Everywhere was cold. And difficult.

Just like the days when Sion and his siblings had fought for survival with their lives on the line.

“I’m off.”

Ruina came out to see Sion off at Elim’s east gate. He had already said goodbye to Set and Kaili. Set had returned to training despite still needing more recovery.

“Yeah, brother. Be careful.”

Ruina answered weakly, like a wet cat. Since he might not return for months, she’d been like this since last night. She looked unhappy.

“Don’t worry. Take good care of the siblings.”

“How can I not worry?”

Pouting slightly, Ruina puffed her cheeks. Seeing her like that, Sion felt a pang of guilt.

Even though he was fulfilling his duties as an apostle candidate and carrying out missions, since arriving in Elim, he hadn’t spent even a full week properly with his siblings.

In effect, Sion had become a new family member, a father figure, and the pillar for Ruina, Set, and Kaili.

Building closeness was important too.

“Heh. When I come back this time, I’ll ask Master for a vacation. Let’s go play in Foils together. How about that?”

“…Really?”

She perked up. Sion nodded.

“Of course.”

He answered confidently, but Ruina just smiled and shook her head.

“Never mind. I don’t want to hold back someone busy. And I shouldn’t.”

“What? It’s fine.”

“Brother.”

“Yeah?”

At that moment, her scent rushed toward him—floral, like wildflowers. Maybe because she often visited the Wildflower Cult, her body carried a floral fragrance.

‘Why does a girl smell like flowers?’

Sion had just thought this when Ruina hugged him.

“Come back safely. Don’t get hurt.”

Her voice was warm. If this was what having a wife felt like, this must be it.

He had never thought of Ruina romantically before, but lately, their bond had grown more mature and intimate.

To say he felt nothing would be a lie.

Sion hugged her back and patted her gently.

“Yeah. You work hard too.”

“When you return, everything will have changed. Me, the kids too.”

They said their goodbyes. Just as Sion tried to pull away—

Ruina rose onto her tiptoes, and Sion felt a moist sensation on his cheek.

Smack.

Sion’s eyes widened.

“W-what…?”

Ruina, deeply embarrassed, stepped back three times and gave a small wave.

“Go.”

“Y-yeah…”

Sion creaked like a rusty hinge. He was too flustered to speak properly.

Ruina?

R-Ruina?

What just happened?!

By the time he regained his senses, Ruina had long disappeared around an alley. Like a wet cat that had dried its fur and was now cheerful, she walked away lightly.

…It was early winter.

***

Again, a companion had attached himself to this journey. Not from Elim.

“Sir Sion. Long time no see. You’ve grown so much since then, unrecognizable even.”

It was Loenhaugter, the deputy of Chairman Apur, who had briefly visited Elim due to business matters related to Apur’s ongoing operations.

“Lord Loenhaugter. You’re still working under Chairman Apur, I see.”

“Haha! How long has it been? Once I serve a master, I serve them to the end.”

“I haven’t seen anything strange about that.”

Sion replied flatly and kept walking. Loenhaugter followed beside him, saying he just wanted to chat for a moment.

“Seeing a young swordsman grow like this feels refreshing. It’s like my long-lost passion has reignited.”

“You’re still young yourself.”

“Haha!”

Loenhaugter laughed heartily.

“You seem more relaxed than before. Making jokes now?”

“Do I?”

“Yes. As Elim revives, Sir Sion becomes more likable too.”

Not a bad thing. Sion’s mood lifted slightly.

On the other hand, Loenhaugter felt strangely intimidating. He disarmed people so easily with just a few words.

‘He was like this at first too, but truly mysterious. His mind runs deep.’

Even now, Sion couldn’t understand why such a man served under a mere merchant. To Sion, he seemed far too capable for that.

Aside from that, he didn’t feel much goodwill toward him.

Though he showed no sign of it, Sion sensed a sinister aura from him.

“So, what did you want to say?”

“Hmm? Suddenly?”

“Yeah, suddenly coming to meet me and take the time.”

Loenhaugter glanced at Sion, then scratched his short beard.

“You’re still sharp and cold. It’s hard to approach you.”

“I don’t have the leisure for warmth yet.”

Sion replied. He spoke coldly because he knew the other wouldn’t mind. That’s why he kept doing it.

“Haha, understandable. It’s not a special request. In fact, I’m here to help you.”

“Why?”

“Investment. Investment. That’s the way of the Abundance Cult. I heard you’re heading east.”

Investment. Sion realized anew how convenient an excuse it was.

No matter what ulterior motive you had, calling it “investment” made it all seem plausible.

The Abundance Cult’s reputation for being cunning and money-hungry meant you couldn’t even accuse them of it—it was a kind of weapon.

He also thought that image crafting for a Cult might be the most important competitive factor in the future.

Sion reluctantly nodded.

“Yes, toward Siren.”

“Siren. Territory of the Wisdom Cult. Also close to the Mage Alliance. Quite a long journey.”

“It’s my first time going there.”

“Is that so? I’ve been there about three times. I can give you some useful tips.”

Sion’s ears perked up toward Loenhaugter. Useful tips for mission success were always welcome.

“What do I need to give in return?”

“I’m not asking for anything. As I said, it’s an investment. The entire city of Foils supports the revival of the War Cult.”

“Funny.”

“You could say the Goddess of Abundance is betting on the Goddess of War.”

Sion was slightly surprised by this unexpected perspective. From the Goddesses’ point of view, maybe that’s how it was.

“Things are changing in many ways. More people are starting to pay attention to the War Cult.”

“Is that so?”

“As for tips, the Wisdom Cult isn’t particularly friendly. Most Round Table Cults are like that.”

“That’s not really a tip.”

It was common knowledge. Achille and Garfenn had mentioned it repeatedly.

The mainstream Cults still rejected them, and the stronger they became, the fiercer the opposition would be.

“What about the information that the Wisdom Cult is searching for a priestess?”

“…?”

Loenhaugter gave a fake smile as Sion’s face stiffened slightly.

“This should be helpful. The Wisdom Cult’s priestess position has been vacant for quite some time. Recently, I acquired information that they’re actively seeking a new one.”

“Is it reliable?”

“I stake my honor on it. My personally trained informants. They’re trustworthy.”

Sion began to covet Loenhaugter’s information network. A small idea popped into his head.

‘What if I recruit this man to Elim?’

Then he could easily gain an incredible intelligence network. It was an option worth considering.

“That’s significant.”

“Indeed. I believe someone as perceptive as you would understand.”

The priestess position was vacant, and now he was telling Sion this.

It didn’t take much to infer.

‘Kaili…’

They might soon clash with the Wisdom Cult.

“Be cautious of the Wisdom Cult, Sir Sion. That’s my tip.”

Sion nodded readily.

“Thank you. I’ll keep it in mind.”

“You mustn’t forget that this information came from me.”

“Yes, yes.”

“And also…”

Loenhaugter paused, subtly gauged Sion’s expression, and decided it was safe to continue. He read the atmosphere perfectly—a master of interpersonal tactics.

“I’ll also share a piece of news from the Holy Kingdom.”

“The Holy Kingdom?”

Now Sion was truly startled. Enough to break his carefully maintained poker face.

He had spies even in the Holy Kingdom? That was beyond expectations. Sion’s evaluation of Loenhaugter rose sharply.

From potential recruit…

To an essential recruit.

“I couldn’t grasp the exact details, but this much is certain.”

Loenhaugter continued.

“The Holy Kingdom will soon summon Sir Sion and Lord Garfenn.”

“…I see.”

“I heard the War Cult made some requests to the Holy Kingdom.”

“Yes.”

Garfenn let out a “Hmm,” then reluctantly spoke.

“It seems the discussion didn’t go well.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

This continued the earlier trend of the Round Table Cults rejecting the War Cult.

“So you came here to tell me this from the start.”

“Exactly. The Holy Kingdom’s summons, the Wisdom Cult’s suspicious movements—they’re all connected.”

Indeed, a frightening man.

Sion assessed the gravity of the situation and asked,

“Why are you freely telling me this?”

“As I said earlier, it’s the will of the Goddess of Abundance. She’s backing the War Cult.”

“But the risk is too great.”

“The Goddess of Abundance judges that it’s more beneficial for the Goddess of War to grow stronger and return to the Round Table than to keep the current situation. Opportunities arise more often when the political situation is chaotic rather than peaceful.”

Sion closed his mouth and thought for a moment.

What was his real motive?

But the conclusion was simple.

“The Goddess of Abundance really does love gold and gambling, doesn’t she?”

“Hahaha! I won’t deny that. She’ll do anything for greater Abundance.”

In simple terms, a gambling addict. That’s how Sion concluded. Then there was no need to doubt.

If endless greed was the Goddess of Abundance’s motivation, then her actions were perfectly understandable.

‘In a way, she’s a truly terrifying Goddess.’

Sion nodded and said. Greed wasn’t exclusive to her.

“Thank you, Lord Loenhaugter.”

“We help each other to survive.”

“By the way…”

“Hmm?”

“Have you ever thought about joining the War Cult?”

Loenhaugter stared at Sion for a moment, slightly dazed. Then he opened his mouth.

“Sir Sion, sometimes you seem truly insane. Haha.”

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